Estudo do potencial agrícola e não agrícola do município de Itacuruba, Pernambuco, Brasil

Abstract

The goal of this research is to evaluate the agricultural and non-agricultural potential of an area, located in the semi-arid environment of Northeast of Brazil. It also aims to generate income and contribute to sustainable development and social inclusion. The area comprises the territory of the municipality of Itacuruba, located on the left bank of the São Francisco River, in the hinterland of Pernambuco State, and inserted in the Cabrobó’s nucleus of desertification. The research was developed from studies and analyzes on the agricultural and non-agricultural global potential made available by the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation - EMBRAPA. Based upon the existing information on natural resources, it was made land potential assessments for irrigation and agro-ecological potential of the municipality's land. Still based on the overall potential and knowledge of the local reality, the study indicated that the soils have severe limitations for agricultural activities. However, the conditions of water availability, insolation, winds and geographical location of the region enables the economic viability of other non-agricultural uses, such as aquaculture and poultry, both already being developed, and generation of solar, wind and nuclear energy, as well as the development of a hinterland sustainable tourism.